Former FIS racer, Méribel skier Paul Delberghe became a World Cup technician early, eight seasons ago, at the age of 19. For the second season, he is an employee of Rossignol and pampers the skis of Cyprien Sarrazin (in giant), Thibaut Favrot and Léo Anguenot. The day after the first podium this past Sunday, he talks about the emotions he is experiencing.
“I usually stay measure in every way, the good and the bad. But Sunday was a hell of a day. I knew that Thibaut and Léo were capable to go quickly to training but to ski fast in a race is something. After the Val d'Isère stage, there was a lot of disappointment even if the conditions were not easy. The Critérium is in France, it’s important. The atmosphere of the public at home is great for the French. For technicians, we live differently. We are focused on our work with little contact with the outside world. The races follow one another so much… But it still feels good to see friends, family.
« It’s a track that the French generally like”
This Sunday, in Alta Badia, it was a great moment. In Alta, there is something. Thibaut has already finished second in a parallel, Cyp won in parallel and finished second in a giant. There, it's Leo. It's a track that the French generally like. Leo said to Thibaut that next time they would go on the podium together. It was special because Léo or Thibaut are not in the top 7. We do not expect them to get on the podium while Cyprien is expected to win in super-G or downhill. Am I part of the success when it works? I take care of skiers who have more respect for my job than me.
When the races go well for the athletes whose skis I take care of, there are additional emotions but it's short-lived. I try to put things into perspective when things aren't going so well, to appreciate what I do, to enjoy the moments I share. Athletes are already sad when they miss a race so I want to be positive. I try to be close to them, I am a technician but we have also established strong friendships. I see them outside of work. But my role is that the athlete is confident about his equipment when he is in the starting gate and that he can just focus to ski fast.
“A good break until January 2”
This Monday, Leo would run in slalom. I only had one athlete. It's a shame he didn't qualify for the second round but it was still a successful weekend for him. Now we're going home. We will have a good break until January 2 when Thibaut and Léo will prepare Abelboden. It will be good to breathe, to settle down, to enjoy the house, the holidays, the family, to go and see All the world at the factory in Saint-Jean-de-Moirans too. The results are collective, it is also grace to all employees. I will find another life for a few days. »
